Image Credit: Chris Ford/PhotopinCC
Over our way there’s a crisp chill to the air as the new season ushers in change.
There’s nothing quite like fall in the Ozarks—in these ancient hills and hollows where my ancestors lived and gave birth to dreams.
I find my creativity level soars during this time of year more than any other.
Maybe it’s the palette of pretty color or the scent of chimney smoke lingering in the air that kick-starts my need to create. Maybe it’s because fall is the precursor to the colder, gloomier days of winter. Whatever the cause, I try to embrace this time and map out a plan to accomplish writing-related tasks and goals.
I don’t get fancy.
I stick with a simple note card method. (I use colored cards secured with an adjustable ring and jot down ideas as I go. I number them and arrange them in order of importance.)
For instance, these are a just few things on my to do list—the things I’ve listed on various note cards I’m shooting for this fall season:
- Finish the last third of my WIP (it’s a shorter novel so I hope to have the rough draft completed by November.)
- Research trips to outlying communities in the Ozarks
- Office housekeeping. (Purge accumulated junk!)
- Reorganize and gather new material such as photos, newspaper clippings, etc. for my idea files
- Renew dues to writing organizations (thankfully there are deadlines so I must tackle those first)
- Work on a book review for another fabulous book I just finished reading
- Develop new blog posts
- Snap photos
New seasons give us that necessary nudge to explore opportunities.
And with a change in season, sometimes a geographical shift is also in order. That’s why research trips are high on my priority list. When I physically go to a new location, my inspiration soars.
Maybe the fall kick-starts your creative juices, too.
If not so much, what can you do to change that?
Perhaps, it’s time to examine new goals and alter course. Since mindset plays a big part in our accomplishments, I recommend you steer clear of the Negative Nancys and Downer Dans. (Their agenda does not coincide with God’s best for you.)
Let this fall be your game-changer!
Do those wild and crazy things you’ve convinced yourself are too silly or too far-fetched. This is your time to shine. Begin your new season with a fresh vision. Imagine something different, better than last season.
Soak up that feeling.
It’s called “success.”
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Do you need some encouragement as your season begins? Here’s a wonderful reminder from me to you: Courage for Your Journey. (This week’s ACFW guest post.)
Need more? Okay—check out my agent’s encouragement boost: When Doubt Niggles. Such a great vote of confidence!
And while we’re still on the subject of encouragement, don’t forget to leave a comment on Wednesday’s blog post for a chance to win a copy of Sarah Loudin Thomas’s Miracle in a Dry Season. This is a story that will rain blessings on your season of doubt. You have until midnight Saturday (10/04/14) to enter. I’ll announce the winner on Monday!
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What are your plans for fall?
Are you excited about this new season?
(The click-to-tweet site was down when I scheduled this post, but I’d love it if you
shared using the other buttons. Thank you!)
Blessings Always,
Comments 4
Fall is like springtime to me. Maybe it’s because I am born in the fall. I love this time of year. I wrote during the spring and summer, but it’s not the same. I struggled with it. I wanted to be outside. I had mental blocks with my imagination. In Autumn, I get the creative juices flowing like sap in a tree…it comes naturally. It’s definitely my time of progress & creativity. The trees here have been changing for the last two weeks. It’s never done that in September. I think now that it’s October the peak will come much earlier than normal. We’re bracing for another cold winter.
Author
Loree, I so need you to visit the Ozarks! I think the fall holds special significance because of all the things you mentioned. My Nana especially adored the season, and from the view of her home perched high atop the hillside of old Route 66, the view was magnificent. Her home was torn down long ago in the name of progress so the new highway could come through, but I have fond memories of many wonderful seasons there.
I love fall! Seasons usually motivate me too especially fall and spring for some reason. I love having a list and plan of what to accomplish much like yours. Thanks for the links!
Author
Terri, delighted you stopped by! And yes—I AM a list-maker. 🙂